On June 11th, we took the love of God to the Puttsburgh community by partnering with the Salvation Army, It’s Just A Dream, and many volunteers. We served a little over 150 residents from that community with food & hope!

Today makes 42 days in one outfit. That’s 1,008 hours! So, far we’ve collected enough uniforms to cover one school… Help us collect enough to resource three more schools… I have 48 more days to go… Can’t wait to share this journey with all the students we help…

Here is a picture of the uniform that I have worn all these days…

If you are interested in helping, below you’ll find the schools we are adopting, and the supplies that are needed to resource these schools:

This is what I’ve been sacrificing for… Today, the founder of the Purple Phoenix Project (a domestic violence awareness organization) dropped off the first 4 donated uniforms for the 4 schools #lovebeyondwalls is partnering with to provide closets for students this coming school year. If you would like to learn more, read one of our most recent blogs about why we are doing what we are doing [HERE]!

This excites me so much! Why? Because this proves that sacrifice helps others…God sacrificed for ALL of humanity, and I am just crazy enough to follow God’s lead. Therefore, I gave up my closet so kids can have one! DAY 39 is inspirational. Why? Because uniforms are starting to come in for kids who lack resources in their closets… First 4 donated uniforms… 246 to go! #closetstrike

Today, makes 21 DAYS in one outfit. In fact, this was one of the hardest weeks wearing only one outfit. I had several meetings, engagements, and places to go where I only had this one outfit. However, what I’m learning is this, “You don’t need to make it… All you need is resilience and trust in God.” Now, I only have 69 more days to go!

This morning had to have been the rough morning for me! Why? Because for the last six days, I have literally had on the same outfit every single day. I have done everything in it. I have gone to meetings, done work around the office, and have used this one outfit for every single thing. If I can be honest, it hurts knowing I cannot wear anything else …Also, it hurts knowing that I am confined to one outfit for every single event that I will partake in over the next 84 days (I can only imagine how students feel who go through this struggle).

In fact, this morning I visited a school in Douglas County (Chapel Hill High) because a student did a campaign to raise awareness about homelessness and partner with students and teachers on behalf of our organization #lovebeyondwalls. The news paper showed up (Douglasville Sentinel), and I was in the same outfit again. Below is a picture on Kamara (student), Jeff (editor), and myself (same outfit) discussing how students rallied around our efforts to reach the less fortunate.

Nonetheless, while on this journey I have been humbled, and extremely appreciative of every single thing that I have had the privilege to own.

Being on this journey has shown me how ungrateful we can sometimes be when we have many options at our disposal. I encourage any/every/one to cherish anything God has entrusted them with (no matter if they do not think it is a lot).
Terence

The other week, I received horrible news about one of the guys that we worked with that stayed under the bridge (Tent City). When I met him a few months back, he was struggling with his health. Therefore, we got him connected to an agency that provides healthcare, and he was doing well. Well, after they shut down “Tent City” he started to go downhill again.

I just found out that he was hospitalized due to dehydration, and other health conditions. This not only upsets me, but it has me thinking….

Would this have happened if we didn’t lose touch with him and many others that were displaced from living under the bridge.

This morning my heart is heavy, and I feel like we have to do something! Not just for Joe, but for others who may end up in the hospital this Summer!

I wonder how many more homeless men, women, and children do not have access to water in the city… I wonder how many are rushed to the hospital because of dehydration and health conditions… I wonder how many will be rushed to the hospital today…

Well, in honor of my friend Joe we are going to make sure every homeless person we encounter this Summer is hydrated. Please join us in our May campaign to raise water!

Ironically enough, it was “April Fools” day.You know… the national holiday where people pull pranks on their closest friends & relatives? LOL.

Well, yesterday felt “foolish” is a sense. Why? Because it is unbelievable and humbling that we are taking steps forward to get planted in our office/storage and city of ATL/College Park. Personally, I am excited and blown away by God’s ability to provide. It does’t make sense at all.

DAYS 1 & 2 have been focused on getting the parking lot cleaned. There were many leaves, sticks, and old trash in the lot from the previous occupant. Also, we have taken these two days to get several things cut on — like power, gas, phone, and other small items. Currently, there is a little waiting period that came up unexpectedly.

We are awaiting the final inspections, and clearances for our organization to be planted in the headquarters (officially).

However, during this waiting period, I’m learning three lessons as a leader during the process. Here goes:

1) Remain focused on the bigger picture — The big picture for us involves serving, helping, and reaching people who are under resourced, under valued, and overlooked. This is our “why” behind our “what.” Nothing more, nothing less. When you stay focused on the bigger picture, it makes your process worth it.

2) Be open to grow — When you venture out to do something greater than yourself, it will demand that you grow in areas that seem uncomfortable to you at first. But, in order for your work to grow, you must continue to grow yourself. I have personally increased my listening and reading capacity (x2). Additionally, you must use every experience (in the process) as an opportunity to grow.

3) See it through — The process is uncomfortable at times, but you must have a resolve in your heart to “see it through.” This is the place where you refuse to look backwards. With the work we do with #lovebeyondwalls, we have a “see it through” mentality. Why? Because we truly value the work God has us doing.

Below is a back of the building shot! Every day in April, we are getting closer and closer to getting planted. Continue to pray that God guides our work.